M*A*S*H • Suicide Is Painless • Johnny Mandel

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[@paulhill7818]

I'm 63 now. Everytime I hear this song it Magically brings Me back to My Youth.. What a Awesome feeling to have. 😎

[@dushanzivanic4311]

me too age 63 - I learned to play it on guitar during lockdown - magical song

[@CDWCAULDRON]

still watch from time to time. G.D. Army!

[@seanwalsh5717]

It's amazing the lyrics were written by a 15-year-old-boy.

[@arturonocete3588]

Get a good headphone and listen to the theme song………it’s awesome, sad yet happy!

[@karenwiethoff3710]

Everytime I hear this song, I remember MASH. But the lyrics are different. Same song. I should just listen better.

[@britneyspearsvillarosa]

My late wonderful dad raised me on MASH The Movie and the Legendary MASH TV Series. I'm 37 now and next month I'll be 38 I Miss You dad. 😢

[@patrickcurran6715]

Same here man. Miss my pops too. 😪

[@ProtoNeoVintage]

Same here. Was required viewing in our house.

[@mgomez552]

Happy birtthday.

[@I-am-Veritas]

Same here. Miss Mom Thanks for sharing your memories of your father, May he rest in peace.

[@AlexandraWindsor-t9l]

so sorry for your loss a great son indeed

[@srellison561]

My father fought in Korea and was badly wounded by a land mine. He was evac'd on one of those outside stretchers on a MASH unit helicopter. I asked him if that was scary and he said that he was so doped up on painkillers, that it was a surreal experience. Every time I see a scene with one of those helicopters, I think of him.

[@stevenyork8532]

God bless your father I love him too.

[@johnnyt.sollitto512]

Cool Dad. He’s lucky & so are u to have such a cool Daddy-O Much love & God bless ur whole family 🙏🏼❤️

[@gus473]

First Marine Division, Second Battalion? 😎✌️

[@positivesoos]

Thank your father for his service and for our freedom.

[@srellison561]

@@gus473 Sorry, I don't know. My father passed back in 1999.

[@Rynigin]

I'm an Army soldier and watching and hearing this made me think of my friends that didn't come back with me. We're soldiers. We're not supposed to cry but hearing songs like this or God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood will make even a hard ass Marine tear up. I've lost too many in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than one is too many.

[@madtabby66]

Who says soldiers aren’t supposed to cry? Crying is better than the 22/day.

[@bloke_19xx33]

Thank you very much for your service, Sir. Best Wishes and good health to you.

[@Rynigin]

@@bloke_19xx33 Thank You.

[@Sturm01]

Marine, tracks

[@unwantedspirt]

im there with you brother, OIF veteran here,

[@lilvern9268]

M*A*S*H* was my dad's favorite show and this song was his ringtone. He unexpectedly passed away this month, so here I am listening to this as a reminder of what a great man he was.

[@ProtoNeoVintage]

This show was required viewing growing up in my house. We lived in Toledo, OH at the time and we had met Mr Farr on a few occasions. And yes, Tony Packo's is a real place.

[@karlenamccoy1226]

My heart goes out to You in your time of sorrow. I pray you know Jesus and the sweet comfort and compassion that He freely gives.

[@BrianRPaterson]

That's hard. Been there myself. And some songs are hard to hear for the right reasons, so I listen anyway. Cheers

[@Judg3m3nt]

My dad loved the show as well. He died of MS complications a couple years ago and sufferd dementia for years leading to it. I tried to buy him the full series once but he just said, why have that when I can just watch it on tv? He only watched dvds we bought him and had been for years. He didn't even know he wasn't watching TV anymore, while getting up to switch the dvds. I understand the feeling of absence and you have my condolences.

[@mgomez552]

Rip. Sir.

[@sirclarkmarz]

Fun fact , the director Robert Altman asked his teenage son to write the lyrics to suicide is painless thinking he would come up with something very amateurish and nonsensical . The song turned out to be a big hit and the young man owned the copyrights to the song . This made him financially secure for the rest of his life as he still receives royalty checks .

[@mindfulmaximalism]

I'm sure it had nothing to do with being Jewish with Hollywood connections.

[@MisterTutor2010]

The song reminds me of how I felt as a teenager :)

[@ipcamtalk4314]

@@mindfulmaximalism another anti-semite...youll never win....go to gaza and meet a goat...What is your excuse for being an unsuccessful balding overweight loser? Did a jew do that to you?

[@tyb1329]

@@mindfulmaximalism bro..

[@Sean-no3zv]

@@mindfulmaximalismway too accurate and based, don’t fry these peoples minds

[@annavladimirovna3171]

In the 90s, this series began to be shown on television in Russia. Dad loved this series, I watched with him, although I did not understand anything. There was humor, and also about how stupid wars are, scary and terrible. I didn’t understand anything, I liked the intro with this song, which brought tears to my eyes (this happens when you don’t understand a foreign language, but you guess the intonation and meaning). Then I learned what war is, having arrived in one of the cities in the south of Russia and saw refugees, crying children and cripples. Dad then said: war with people does this, remember, not a single war brings good, does not start from good intentions, smart people do not start them, and not one war makes a person happier. I was 5 or 6 years old and I remember. Now my native country is at war and again refugees, fear, war, death and cripples. And I remember my father's words: smart people don't start a war and don't bring any good.

[@DanielleStarry]

Blessings to you and your father 🌻

[@camabron1]

Unless you start a war of independence maybe. Otherwise, spot on.

[@michakrov3266]

Two people kill each other, both not ever known or met. Both have families and loved ones with both equal reasons to live. All caused but the orders of some political figure.

[@rclark777]

Prayed for your comfort during these difficult times.

[@654Crossman]

Your father was wise. It is critical to defend yourself as a populous, but what matters is what do you justify under the guise of "defense?" As an American veteran at 27, I do not feel I defended my country. I felt like I did more as a volunteer firefighter. Rightful countries have defended themselves through war, all throughout history. But those civilizations did not start it. To defend, means one is about to or has attacked you, and you react. Most wars and all major wars have been conducted over greed and gain. Not good or bad, right or wrong, defense, nor liberation.

[@Fastbikkel]

Apart from the humor, the underlying message was very painful and emotional at times. Some scenes had me in tears, that is also what makes this such a classic show.

[@ProtoNeoVintage]

The show was at its best when it was serious. The show was at its best when it was comedic. Basically the show was just at its best period. One of my favorite scenes was during one of the episodes where they had come to arrest Hawkeye for being insubordinate. And just as they're getting ready to haul him off the helicopters come in he jumps out. The officer has come to arrest him yells at him to stop and he says, " look you can arrest me later. Right now I have a job to do" and he runs off to the OR. Afterwards the officer tells Hawkeye that he can't arrest him. You and Hawkeye asked him why he says, " You are a brilliant surgeon and I cannot take you away. But what the hell is wrong with you? A nurse drops an instrument. You crack a joke. A kid goes south on the table. You crack a joke. Blood shoots up over your shoulder. You crack a joke.". Hawkeye replies, " I figure I've got two options. I can either laugh or I can scream. I'm afraid if I start screaming I'll forget how to stop."

[@CodeBlue2001]

@@ProtoNeoVintage Having only seen a few episodes randomly, I sometimes forget that it is a drama-comedy, or dramedy, and not just a comedy lol. That last line is really good.

[@CodeBlue2001]

@@ProtoNeoVintage Also, its trippy hearing the lyrics for the first time

[@j.dunlop8295]

There's s whole book series, on the Hawkeye doctor! Comedy?

[@MalamutesMom9530]

I loved the movie and I loved the TV series. Today, 6/20/24 Donald Sutherland passed away. Goodbye. RIP Hawkeye.

[@johnbraunschweig]

Gary Burghoff is about the only one of the movie still alive, isnt he?

[@endy251]

Hum.. C'était pas oeuil de lynx ?

[@forexed8948]

Hawkeye is Alan Alda in th tv show

[@Jus-xh6ep]

@@johnbraunschweig Tom Skerritt and Bud Court are still with us ...

[@Radents_TWO]

@@forexed8948 Hawkeye was originally portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the film before the television series.

[@TheShepcom]

I was trained as a Combat Medic in the US Army. M*A*S*H the movie came out while I was on Active Duty training, 322nd General Hospital. This clip is from the movie.

[@tigernotwoods914]

My uncle was a Corpsman green side.

[@James-n4x]

I saw this at Fort Sam 1970

[@ProtoNeoVintage]

Well, and the lyrics for the song never actually appeared in the TV show. Something about too sensitive for the American viewing audience.

[@F---Youtube123]

I was there with you. And I'm here now to finally bring those that never came home Back home. Or behalf of a grateful nation and a grateful fellow veteran it's time to come home. It doesn't have to be this way.

[@F---Youtube123]

​so did I. At fort sam. It strengthened resolve. What did you hear when you watched? It doesn't have to be this way. It's time for all of us to come HOME to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA. WE BELONG THERE.

[@barb6440]

I must be sick, i find this song comforting. Deep meaning full IMO.

[@thomasferrusi1345]

you're not sick. !!!.. I channel the energy of the song and use it as therapy. turning a negative Into A Positive. 👍

[@Judg3m3nt]

It was written by a teenager. Imagine how that kid viewed life to write a song about the benefits and consequences of suicide.

[@kylewinward8847]

@@Judg3m3nt As you may know, there's also a character with the name "Painless": John Schuck as Capt. 'Painless' Waldowski - IMDb. I also recall reading about the character in the novel, shortly after I saw references to "Radar O'Reilly" and M*A*S*H in Ottumwa Iowa.

[@thomasferrusi1345]

@@Judg3m3nt the teenager was Robert Altmans 14 yr old son. So I guess some of dad's talent rubbed of the kid.

[@thomasferrusi1345]

@kylewinward8847 painless, refers to " the painless pole " Waldowski The Dentist. which has nothing to do with the theme song or overall scope of the movie

[@barbamatteo]

With my mom (rip) i used watch this series every evening on tv when i was a child. This brings me just best memories.

[@J316-t5i]

I remember, some very long time ago, when the whole neighborhood could keep their doors open in the evenings. And if you were out walking or riding your bicycle, you could hear this playing in everyone’s house every evening once the sun was setting. That’s what I remember every time I hear this tune.

[@raptorfromthe6ix833]

One of the most relatable songs

[@DarKHumOuR3]

Goodbye Donald. you ll never be forgotten 💔

[@Donathon-qx8kq]

What stinks...now I'm getting negative waves.... Thanks for everything Mr Sutherland

[@DavidWilliams-tr1yx]

Loved the original movie. Loved the series. Comedy at its best.

[@lsworkingdogs7793]

Funny, I watched the serie at least 25 years ago and I was wondering what the song sounded like. But when the video started I already had the song in my head. Some memories will last forever.

[@W.Stryker]

My entire family has been in the military. My grandfather was in Korea, my dad was in El Salvador, I did two tours in Bosnia, and my brother served in Iraq and Afghanistan. For us listening to this is actually painful. For me when I hear the sound of a UH-60 or a CH-47 I always freeze and look up. For us. It’s never over

[@greenbackhomestead636]

God bless you and your family. Thank you for my freedom. Much respect.

[@KrugeJu]

thank you and yours for their service. your appreciated !

[@matthewcaughey8898]

But at the end of the day, you’re still here. Might not mean much but it’s truth

[@AniwayasSong]

I remember watching M.A.S.H. on our family Zenith, 19" B/W TV... I had NO idea to the lyrics of the theme song, and only discovered them *DECADES* later. Holy. Moley... *Applauds*

[@ananda_miaoyin]

A 19 inch TV? Y'all must have been rich! Just playin - yeah, when I finally learned the lyrics...damn.

[@olivia-x6y]

I was on my second tour in Nam when this flick came out. We saw it at our base camp in Lai Khe A/227 AHB, 1st Cav Div. A real morale booster and our medics were just like M.A.S.H folks. God Bless them!!!!!!!!!!

[@bloke_19xx33]

Thank you for your service. Best wishes to you.

[@BellaFirenze]

Through early morning fog I see Visions of the things to be The pains that are withheld for me I realize and I can see That suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it If I please The game of life is hard to play I'm gonna lose it anyway The losing card I'll someday lay So this is all I have to say Suicide is painless (suicide) It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it If I please The sword of time will pierce our skins It doesn't hurt when it begins But as it works its way on in The pain grows stronger, watch it grin Suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it If I please A brave man once requested me To answer questions that are key "Is it to be or not to be?" And I replied, "Oh, why ask me?" Suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it If I please And you can do the same thing If you please

[@paulcarvalho7976]

Cool

[@badlaamaurukehu]

Morphine song.

[@brianhinkel7833]

That song was written by a kid...

[@BellaFirenze]

@@brianhinkel7833 I know. I wrote it.

[@thetvbaby83]

You're Robert Altmans son?

[@vsauce4498]

Im only 21 and i remember this show still being play briefly on television as a kid!!

[@MrWaalkman]

This was from the movie, of which I think only Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff) played in both the movie and the series. Definitely watch the movie if you get a chance.

[@TheRealRusDaddy]

It still plays on tv atleast my grandma finds it once in a while

[@Radents_TWO]

It still plays on-air to this day, never was off of television.

[@本田晴生-w6w]

懐かしすぎる❗テレビ版は何時もの見てました、まだ子供の頃、千歳にもアメリカ軍が居ましたし、祖父もアメリカ軍で、軍属で勤務してましたから すごく身近に感じます😊また見たいものです😊あのホットリップは、中学生には😊

[@belgianblue874]

I used to love watching this in the 1980's with Free-to-Air TV. Happy memories watching telly in the Lounge Room with the fire on. I just like the Tune. I have got no intensions of 1X nor of 1S. Quite happy with life. Just a great theme song.

[@joshuathomas8529]

My grandpa served in a real MASH unit in Korea every time I hear this it brings back memories of him. I got to serv their abet a long time after he did.

[@TeddGCM]

M.A.S.H. inspired me to become an Army Combat Medic. A great time of my life.

[@PNWBabe]

ME TOO!!!!

[@ivansmith654]

A piece of wonderful history not to be forgotten by many but as the song hints to some of us have left to them I say RIP!

[@derangedclownie]

I can't describe the pain this song brings me. I used to watch this show every now and again with my grandma, and now that she's gone I look at a death in a whole new aspect. I can't help but cry listening to this, I can't imagine the torture and agony soldiers have/had to go through, vividly reliving terribly traumatic experiences, and becoming permanently disabled from it. My dad had to watch his best friend die, and from being deployed it's confirmed he'll have some sort of dementia when he gets older. I hate death and how it just takes and takes, leaving nothing but broken hearts. I know I shouldn't look at it that way, but I don't know how not to. I miss my grandma very much, and even though my dad is relatively fine, watching those stupid "what would you do" videos where mentally disabled soldiers are bullied, I just can't help but cry for them, real or not. Sorry for the vent, I just don't know how else to express my grief and this helps a little

[@mr.inkwell4782]

it ok. but to be honest, and feel free to hate me, but i think when you say "i hate death" i think you meant to say that you hate war. death is part of nature, war isn't. hawkeye said so himself" war isn't hell. war is war, and hell is hell. only sinners go to hell. but the innocents die from war. I'm sorry if i sound like i belittle your feeling, i just think that what you feel is ok and you have the right to be this way.

[@derangedclownie]

@@mr.inkwell4782 No, I think you're completely right. You aren't invalidating or belittling my feelings in the least, and hearing this makes me feel a lot better. I know it might sound over-emotional, but I really do appreciate people like you and hearing what you have to say. Thank you so much

[@derangedclownie]

@cbraxton Thank you for the reassurance, it makes me feel more optimistic about the future. Sending my condolences and I appreciate what your father has done so we can live.

[@mr.inkwell4782]

@@derangedclownie well, that very kind of you to say. it had made my day/night. advice

[@soniklovescharli]

Very nice. One of your replies states that you shouldn't hate death but hate war. They are correct. Life and death can be beautiful but never commit suicide, it will never help or change anything for the better. Here is a paist of my comment... Shame on the lyrics to this song. It's a beautiful melody and has nostalgic vibes but Suicide is never painless and should not be glorified. Sending a message to people that you're losing the game of life so kill yourself is pathetic. Remember it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game so get right with God and be grateful for your life no matter what. Thank you and God bless ♥ ☯ 🕯

[@williammitchell4417]

This movie as well as the TV series inspired me to enlist to the 204th MASH, in my hometown.

[@lesliebell4189]

I was born in 1980 and I love watching the film and the TV series M*A*S*H. It has a lasting impact on me as well as pop culture and American society as of this day.

[@hectoraguirre9056]

Wow! What a great tune by the late Johnny Mandel. Movie brings back great memories from the early 70's. My uncle Felix took me and buddy Richard to view it back in El Paso TX. R.I.P. uncle Felix & Johnny Mandel....

[@ag358]

Fifteen year old Michael Altman( son of Robert Altman) wrote the lyrics. Johnny mandal wrote the music.

[@nigelw512]

What a wonderful and an all-time favourite film that set up the series and that song and the lyrics still blow me away to this day. I remember the Manic Street Preachers doing a version but they never did justice.

[@alanw737]

This is the greatest movie and tv series of all time!

[@mikecobalt7005]

In school I had a teacher that was a very good singer and sang her songs with *Alot of emotion. Every once in a while, she would sing this and "One tin Soldier". On those days nobody was standing at the door waiting for the bell, we were all sitting, listening and some using tissues, we didn't run out at the bell, we all walked out thinking.

[@MrMace224]

I was a medic with the 3rd Marines when this movie came out. I can relate.

[@brettbaxter7882]

You weren't a hospital corpsman?

[@cristinabumbac151]

Maybe my favorite TV series. It's amazing how a song about suicide can be so warm and makes you feel good...or isn't it?

[@robertgary3561]

Made it very dark which was part of the point. They asked for a simple song so he had his 12 year old kid write the lyrics

[@cristinabumbac151]

@@robertgary3561 I know...but I meant something else...

[@roram67]

Perhaps it's the association you have with the TV series before you knew the lyrics and had lived more life that gives you both the warm feelings and the melancholy now?

[@TheReal10bears]

I seen this in the theater as a kid, got my mom hooked on the tv series.

[@shaneshanks9702]

Always reminds me of watching 👀 it with my parents when I was a kid 😮 R.I.P. mum and dad ❤😢🎉

[@naomiemonroe7968]

My Uncle Earl was in the Vietnam he fought in Danang. When he returned home he had a severe case of PTSD and night terrors. If he went into the store and seen an Asian person shopping or if he was at the checkout getting ready to pay an Asian person walk in front of him with a grocery cart he would literally leave all the groceries there and walk out. His children would have to come back with the money and purchase it. Kroger knew about his situation and understood.

[@mach2223]

Sounds rough, I'm really sorry that you guys had to go through that. War is hell, always was always will be. Let's hope we can one day come to peace as a species. I already know there's gonna be people here calling your uncle racist and whatever. Saddens me really, that we have to put outselves into camps based on politics or other stupid stuff that doesn't matter. But such is the human nature, I suppose. Wars wouldn't exist otherwise.

[@EterPuralis]

I honestly never really watched MASH itself, but hearing this song from the tv as a kid, it just... Clicks. Still does.

[@James_Knott]

Try watching the movie. It's likely available on DVD from the local library. MIght even be on KZbin. It's a classic. BTW, I would have been 17 or 18 when I first watched it and I'm 70 now.

[@docmach8794]

When we graduated as combat medics at Ft. Sam, the military band played this for our final review as we marched by.

[@James-n4x]

Saw the film at the base theater.

[@docmach8794]

@@James-n4x I miss standing to attention at the base theater for the National Anthem and when the symbols crashed, everyone would go "PSSSSHH!!"

[@krisgreenwood5173]

I was an MP at Ft. Sam Houston in the early 1970's just as the hostilities in Vietnam were ending. The TV show MASH was on once a week. It was a pretty well watched TV show on post. It actually meant something to many on the post.

[@AmisH-q4h]

A song about self deletion more relevant than ever...

[@FelixMargiotta]

Perfect song for the situation

[@cjsiatkowski5144]

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served our country. Thank you all for your service, sacrifice, and bravery. God bless you, and God bless America 🇺🇸 the land of the free because of the brave 🇺🇸 🙏 ❤️

[@fabianbento2382]

J'ai 53 ans et je regardais MASH avec mon père. Il nous a quittés en 1983. Repose en paix 🙏 PAPA ❤️

[@AlexandraWindsor-t9l]

so sorry for your loss.it is a fitting tribute take care A.

[@fabianbento2382]

Bonjour Alexandra , merci pour votre compassion . Que Dieu vous bénisse 🙏

[@mindymue]

MASH is my favorite show ever. This song is great and sad at the same time. I know so many people who have taken their own lives. One of which is my oldest daughters father before she had a chance to meet hm.

[@anthonymichaelwilson8401]

Beautiful song

[@dkwoodsy2082]

I started watching as a small boy when the series started in the early 70s. There are this movie, 255 series episodes plus the 2 hour series finale and I’ve seen every bit of all of them probably at least 20 times each. Maybe more. There are back to back reruns on MeTV 6 nights a week and I still watch religiously. I sing these lyrics in my head during the show intro everytime I watch- and every couple months I watch the movie again. It never gets old. I see a recurring character in a show and I can name the other episode(s) he/she also appeared on. Maybe I got a little obsession problem…

[@LoneWolf4440]

Went to the movies when i was a kid with my mom and dad. Great movie and series.

[@markastoforoff7838]

I listen to this song a lot. I want to .... the words are too hard to say. The game of life is hard to play and I'm gonna lose it anyway.

[@DanielleStarry]

Hang in there, darlin. 🌻

[@subversiveinsubordination5022]

This Song is Epic 👏👏👏👏👏

[@orangejunkie]

there is so many movies you do. awesome work man or woman. keep it going. beautiful job ❤

[@LionApartment]

This song always remind me of being a kid with my grandpa and my dad sitting in the living room watching M.A.S.H.

[@UTFan666]

I noticed a lot of ppl were shocked or impressed that this song was written by a 14 year old. You should not be. Children can be just as perceptive and profound as any grizzled senior.

[@theseaward4613]

The prompt was “it has to be called suicide is painless and it has to be the dumbest song ever written.” That is why he let his kid help.

[@stopculture]

It is shocking. You ask 99.9% of teenagers to write lyrics for a song and they will not come up with couplets this profound. It’s truly remarkable honestly

[@theseaward4613]

@@stopculture you are profoundly shallow.

[@stopculture]

@@theseaward4613 Or just profoundly realistic. If you actually believe if you walked into a freshman year high school cafeteria and gave any of the kids the same prompt you’d receive lyrics like these from any of them, I’ve got a bridge to sell ya bucko.

[@christianlorre]

​@@stopcultureI'm sure it helped it was in the middle of the Vietnam war so thinking glum should be easy.

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

We, the unwilling, led by the uncaring, in service of the unknowing, have done so much with so little for so long, that we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.

[@micktepolt6276]

love the song and the movie MASH

[@nikoritter2588]

RIP Hawkeye, aka Donald Sutherland 🙏

[@theorangeoof926]

Imagine the irony from hearing this on hold while calling a suicide hotline.

[@thomasjohnson3144]

Fucked up thing, if you say (Suicide is painless) to KZbin, it diretces you to a suicide hotline 😮

[@slewone4905]

This is why I am glad, the lyrics are rarely played. And I am not to happy about the songs from the singer bad guy. she has several songs about suicide, and I believe she has tried.

[@kevinsedwards]

Yooo let's go see you on the other side

[@ruthdelange1846]

Brought me right here to the song I came for. Which is really ironic, since I'm actively involved in mental health care awareness. ​@@thomasjohnson3144

[@usmansaleem9498]

I never watched this show. I am too young to understand it but it always fascinates me. It's so unfiltered and true, somehow it makes me feel normal.

[@oldblueaccord2629]

The movie is good but actually the TV show is great. Any age you should sit and watch it sometime.

[@bobbiemoore5855]

When I was young, I didn't fully understand the show either, but I completely absorbed the series. You should watch the series. You will learn a lot. Than watch the show and you will understand the meaning and intensity of it.

[@MikeSwirled]

Whoa, never knew this song had lyrics. 😮

[@magiclampboogiesdown9717]

Written by a 14 year old kid - the director’s son I believe

[@UTFan666]

It's played twice in the movie. Once at the opening, and sung during the "Suicide" party for Painless the dentist (that's the guy you see drinking a glass of something, in this vid).

[@willyjoerockhead]

The lyrics were too dark for television

[@rwboa22]

​@@magiclampboogiesdown9717 it was the director's then-15 year old son. Due to songwriter credits and royalties, that kid became a millionaire while in high school; his dad only made $70k just directing the film.

[@gaffneyrailroading1982]

Yep.

[@MichaelMcMahon1969]

0In 2000, while I was stationed at Camp Humphreys (formerly K-6) in the Republic of Korea, I had the pleasure to have my medical care taken care of by the unit that was the basis of the 4077th MASH! They embraced their legacy set and made famous by the Movie and then the television series MASH.

[@livinginclarity3439]

As a stroke survivor. For me life sucks with very little I can do ..to compound matters my girlfriend ditched me and cut contact with me. The pain is quite bad physical and emotionbal fortunately Singapore is a nice place with many nice people who are supportive of others in pain. Many have come forward to give support in multiple ways. Through physical means and prayer. In your shoes I would say you did have some good experiences and what you might have is a good old days syndrome where like in the song the way we were. We remember the wonderful stuff but forget the bad stuff. Me. I feel at this point the future. Is really Bleak and listen to this song to put my feelings into a spoken word or song. I mean really suicide as an option is painless but I still have this feels Ng I am not finished my purpose yet. So pain or no. I still must carry on recover and never give up until I recover. I hope you fel better soon. I recall mash the TV series and how the series ended cos one of the lead actors was tired of acting his part. Anyways. God bless ed us with some really good times that we can actually miss. Salutes.

[@cramias1]

Funny story, this song was meant to be a parody. Robert Altman the director wanted it to be in his words, "The stupidest song ever written," He tried to write it himself but realized a man in his mid-40's couldn't write like a pretentious 20-year-old, so he tasked his son with writing the lyrics. It took him five minutes. The public took the song earnestly, it became a massive hit and Altman's son made over $1 million in royalties. Robert Altman was paid roughly $70,000 by the studio for directing M*A*S*H.

[@scottcurry479]

But his son, Mike Altman, was 14 or 15 depending which Wikipedia article you read, not 20.

[@marcustullis245]

@@scottcurry479 14 or 15 is a hell of a lot closer to 20-something than 40 is.

[@Rob-xz6uv]

@@scottcurry479 - NBL (above) didn't say the boy was 20.

[@zeltzamer4010]

Altman was paid 70k upfront, but the movie was a massive hit so he almost definitely made a lot more than that.

[@12spray6]

Theres nothing stupid about this song. It’s quite sad actually

[@richl6966]

I'm 39 and my dad is a HUGE fan of the show and a retired mental health nurse. I need to ask him about him about this song!

[@myriamespitiaespitia9587]

Beautiful Tv serie and song.

[@keithscott1926]

I remember watching this movie at the Drive end with my Dad. Gary Burghoff was in the original Radar in the movie.

[@rkmklz7562]

This song is a classic...as well the movie 🍿...R I P Hawkeye 😮

[@mikematusek4233]

I've always loved the song and used the lyrics for speech competition when I was in High school (75-79).

[@ottokar6318]

Since first time i saw this was mad about it all, music, actors game, was just 20 im now near 75.that lake mr thinking about VN war i ve followed day by day fm France.thks a lot to all vets for incredible high service.

[@panowa8319]

RIP Donald Sutherland (1935-2024).

[@user-du2of3lh1g]

my grand dad loved this show i remember watching this with him when i was a kid he was a tail gunner on the b-52 in ww2....

[@ndebrabant]

Rest in Peace, Donald Sutherland.

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

Always come here to listen to this song when shit just becomes to much

[@coolranch7537]

Same

[@coolranch7537]

Probably had my worst day in the last 5 years today

[@booooo666]

​@@coolranch7537keep going bro

[@coooogpc]

やっぱこの曲好きやわ

[@alanfisher2121]

The music biz is crazy... these are the same singers who sang background on every Partridge Family record! (The Ron Hicklin singers, featuring John and Tom Bahler)

[@Odincdaj522004]

So many comments about the darkness of the lyrics -- the context is dark, and the lyrics are bleak, but they're not hopeless, they're defiant. "The losing card I'll someday lay," "And I replied oh, why ask me," yes, but the refrain is the key, "And I can take or leave it, if I please -- and you can do the same thing, if you please..." I've *always* heard that as feeling hopeless, realizing that ending it all is an option, but knowing you have the choice, the option to "do it if you please," that means you have control. Control of something, one thing, maybe the only thing, but control and a decision, and as long as the choice isn't made, that control is still there. I've always heard the note of light, the spark of hope in this, a haggard but stalwart warning against suicide, in favor of keeping the choice alive. "If you please."

[@erroneousbatch]

Very nicely put, and it's true: when you know that you have the means and the will to end it all today, then it enables living for at least another day. Cheers mate.

[@ShiggyHappyFun]

This is incredible

[@wickerman4609]

What a sad song

[@JohnDuffy-bq8wg]

Also positive I've been suicidal for a while but the the line you can take or leave it as you please gives me a hope and belief the choice is in my hands, which gives me hope

[@Jolatomate]

Quelle tristesse. Au revoir Donald. Tu vas nous manquer mais on se retrouvera.

[@aliciak1959]

RIP Donald

[@YeeSnarky]

The lyrics for this iconic song were written by an eleven year old boy, the son of director Robert Altman, Michael Altman wrote the song in five minutes when his father who attempted to write the song himself couldn't. The rest, as they say, is history.

[@baylinkdashyt]

Robert notes that his son probably made over a million in royalties from this song, even though the TV series never played the lyric version -- he got $70k for directing the film.

[@darrentibbo6577]

love this song for me when i am in a bad place i recall this song and the words most people dismiss " I can take of leave it if i please , and you can do the same thing IF YOU PLEASE. for me it reminds me i have a choice and only i can make that choice.

[@bobbiemoore5855]

He was 14. He earned more than $1 million in royalties after a version of “Suicide Is Painless” hit the No. 1 spot in the United Kingdom’s music charts. That was back in the 70's and h is still collecting royalties from it.

[@stevenyoungblood5956]

R.I.P. Donald Sutherland

[@ag358]

Wikipedia says he was fifteen and I believe I saw an interview with Robert saying he was fifteen.

[@joeklimko8339]

That is the best song I ever heard give that kid a cigar

[@XSMCX2001]

Although the music was written by Johnny Mandel, the lyrics were written by a 14 year old boy named Michael Altman, son of the famous Robert Altman.

[@terryshamblin7907]

My son played this song as a part of his piano recital in about 1975 or 76.

[@Captain-ln3vh]

As a medic in more modern times this video just kicked my ass tonight. For All my brothers and sisters who have sacrificed it’s ok to cry sometimes. I’m not Less of a man because I hurt and I remember. Never quit, HooAh

[@janosszegeti2280]

One of my favorites !

[@twostep1953]

2:29 Me in 1979, lying to my buddy, with snow on the ground outside the tent. "It's not cold!" My buddy, wrapped up in his sleeping bag: "Looks cold to me." One night in Korea, had my canteen in my sleeping bag with me - and woke up to find a pop-sickle.

[@erichendrickson8858]

RIP Movie Hawkeye Pierce

[@uhlijohn]

Robert Altman's son wrote the lyrics (not the music) for this song when he was 18 years old and all he wanted was a guitar as payment but one of the co-producers of the film insisted he would get the standard credits for writing the lyrics. He wound up making over $1 million over the years and his dad Robert Altman was only paid $75K for directing the film!

[@Mike-vr4lw]

Thanks for the info . I like the lyrics

[@amiblueful]

He was actually 14, which makes it more amazing.

[@HALLish-jl5mo]

​@@amiblueful The director wanted "I'm 14 and this is deep" energy. Literally, he wanted the lyrics to be bad. He gave the task to his teenage son, who knocked it out in one afternoon.

[@Odincdaj522004]

​@@HALLish-jl5moAnd Ingo Preminger was the who who insisted on paying the kid properly. "I don't want to steal your ideas."

[@arthouston7361]

I’ll tell you how old this movie is…….my friends and I watched this at a drive-in.

[@goldentop1737]

Watching M*A*S*H at 10 then 15 now 26 it has been 3 completely different shows. first it was funny doctors when I was a kid, then it was the side you don't see in war movies, but now Watching it I'm constantly thinking how psychologically scaring that environment would be the lyrics to the theme song fit so well to what I could only imagine would be a thought if that was your day to day life

[@drefk1973]

This was (I.M.O) a 6/10 movie that launched a 10/10 tv series

[@fletcherpersinger5102]

This was written by a 14 year old for this show! Wow.. great song and feels

[@spanishflyevh9606]

Tommy Tedesco wrote it

[@robertkaraba447]

Mike Altman

[@christianlorre]

It wasn't for the show, it was the movie in 1970.

[@James_Knott]

RIP Donald Sutherland. This movie was the first time I was aware of your work.

[@olliolivine9770]

every time i hear a helicopter flying overhead i think of this song.

[@kyleshiflet9952]

Same

[@kevinclarke1222]

20 second in Is that Bobby Troup? Oh Yeah always thought Kellerman was a serious cutie pie😊 RIP Sweetheart 😘

[@heidivert830]

This is beautiful song yet sad😢

[@Bobloblaw456]

One of the best shows ever produced.

[@arnolddalby5552]

Brilliant TV series and music from the 1970's.

[@r8118830]

This brings back memories. As a Brit I first saw it on Brit TV in 1973; It is so very poignant. I really doubt that it would be made to be shown on modern TV networks. It does not glorify war enough. The futility of war and the humanity of the cast are so clearly portrayed. I can look at episodes now fifty yeas later and it brings tears to my eyes, My personal sense of fifty years gone and my grown capacity to see the waste of life are intermingled. I do not like people seeing me cry so I must calm myself before going downstairs.